A pair of former Premier League footballers are aiming to take the next step towards qualifying for The Open Championship on Monday.
Regional qualifying for the year’s final major is being held across 16 courses in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.
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Jimmy Bullard is one of two former Premier League stars taking part in regional qualifyingCredit: Getty
Golfers are competing to reach final qualifying, which will be staged at four courses on Tuesday, June 30.
Places in the 156-player field at Royal Birkdale will be on offer ahead of the 154th Open between July 16 and 19.
Last year’s tournament saw 20 players earn a spot through final qualifying.
Those included former world No.1 Lee Westwood and current PGA Tour star Harry Hall.
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Among those attempting to advance to final qualifying are ex-footballers Jimmy Bullard and Peter Odemwingie.
Bullard, who is a scratch golfer, has previously played in events on the PGA EuroTour Pro in the past.
The former Wigan Athletic, Fulham and Hull City midfielder is also part of the Golf Life YouTube channel alongside former Soccer AM star Tubes.
His ability on the course even saw Bullard tipped to play on the PGA Tour Champions by Colin Montgomerie last year.
Bullard will be contesting regional qualifying at Rochester & Cobham Park in Kent.
As for Odemwingie, the retired striker took part in regional qualifying last year alongside Bullard.
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Odemwingie is a PGA professional and provides golf lessons after retiring from football in 2019Credit: Getty
However, both players failed to advance to final qualifying for a place at Royal Portrush.
Odemwingie scored 37 goals in 129 Premier League appearances for West Brom, Stoke City and Cardiff City.
Since retiring in 2019, the former Nigeria international has become a PGA professional and now provides golf lessons in Birmingham.
The 44-year-old begins his quest for the Open at Enville, with his tee time scheduled for 11.26am.
Bullard and Odemwingie will not be the only former Premier League stars on the course on Monday, though.
Ex-Newcastle United right-back Ryan Taylor is caddying for his 14-year-old son Henri at Hesketh.
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Bullard will be looking to earn a place in next week’s final qualifying for a spot at Royal BirkdaleCredit: Getty
The teenage amateur began his regional qualifying round at 9.57am.
Next week’s final qualifying will be held at Burnham & Berrow, Dundonald Links, Royal Cinque Ports and West Lancashire.